LAGOS TAKES BOLD STEPS TO ENHANCE TRAUMA CARE

• As Trauma Conference Sets Stage for Healthcare Reforms
• Governor Sanwo-Olu, Minister of State for Health Signs Historic MOU on Epe General Hospital

Today marked a major milestone in Lagos State’s healthcare landscape, as key government officials convened at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, for the inaugural Lagos Trauma Conference. The event, themed “Advanced Trauma and Emergency Healthcare Systems for a Thriving Lagos,” spotlighted reforms aimed at improving trauma care and emergency response within the state.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, were among the keynote speakers who highlighted the critical steps Lagos is taking to improve trauma care.

During the event, a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Lagos State Government and the Federal Ministry of Health. This agreement officially transferred the General Hospital in Epe to the Federal Government for conversion into the Federal Medical Centre, Epe (FMC Epe). This landmark move underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure across the state.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his keynote address at the event, acknowledged the dedication of healthcare professionals, and private sector partners, to shaping the future of healthcare in Lagos. “The robust conversations we’ve had on enhancing trauma care and emergency healthcare systems have reaffirmed our vision of a thriving Lagos,” he stated. He emphasized the need for a resilient healthcare system capable of handling daily emergencies as well as large-scale incidents.

The conference served as a platform for discussing strategic investments in healthcare infrastructure, with the Governor outlining plans to upgrade and expand trauma centers across the state. He noted that the administration has already made significant strides in enhancing healthcare facilities, including the renovation of existing facilities and the establishment of new ones.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to trauma care, the governor noted that trauma remains one of the leading causes of death in Lagos. “While we have made progress in healthcare delivery, there remains ample room for improvement, particularly in trauma care,” he added. He further elaborated on infrastructure developments, including the construction of a state-of-the-art general hospital in Ketu and other healthcare facilities aimed at boosting the state’s capacity for emergency response.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also addressed the critical need for workforce development, noting that training programs in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) for healthcare professionals, along with the introduction of a paramedic and emergency medical technician program, will significantly improve the state’s field response capabilities.

The Governor reiterated the importance of financial accessibility in trauma care, announcing plans to expand the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme to cover emergency services. He also revealed that an Emergency Care Fund would be established to provide trauma care for the most vulnerable residents, ensuring that no one is denied life-saving care due to an inability to pay. “As we strive for universal healthcare access, we must ensure that no life is lost due to an inability to pay for treatment,” he said.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play a pivotal role in the healthcare reforms in Lagos. He acknowledged that the transfer of the Epe General Hospital to the Federal Government marked a turning point for healthcare delivery in the area. “This project is a testament to the vision and leadership of our dear President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he remarked, adding that the FMC Epe will serve the rapidly growing population in Epe and its environs.

Dr. Alausa detailed the specialized services that will be available at the new FMC Epe, including paediatric and neonatal intensive care, advanced surgical procedures such as open-heart surgeries, a state-of-the-art trauma center, and kidney transplant services. He also announced the establishment of a School of Nursing and a Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (FEDCAM) in Epe, which will offer training programs in acupuncture, naturopathy, and other complementary therapies.

Dr. Tunji Alausa also acknowledged the support of traditional leaders and lawmakers, such as the Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, and Member Representing Epe Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Wale Raji, whose support was instrumental in realizing the project.

The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, also spoke passionately about the importance of trauma care, drawing from her personal experience as a medical doctor. “The need for a strong trauma care system is undeniable,” she stated. “Emergencies can affect anyone at any time, whether through road accidents, domestic violence, or natural disasters.” She emphasized the importance of preparedness, recalling her proactive efforts during political campaigns and public events to ensure hospitals were ready to handle potential emergencies.

Dr. Ibijoke called for a return to grassroots health education, suggesting that schools reintroduce programs like the Red Cross, Girls’ Guide, and Boy Scouts, where students are trained in basic life support. “Catching them young will ensure a future generation of first responders who are well-equipped to handle emergency situations,” she noted.

In her remarks, Dr. Ogunyemi emphasized the importance of mental health support for healthcare professionals dealing with trauma cases. She highlighted ongoing efforts to provide psychosocial support to ensure that frontline workers remain resilient.

She noted that as Lagos continues to expand, the demand for high-quality emergency services becomes even more pressing. “Trauma care and emergency healthcare services are central to this, as they are often the first line of defense in saving lives and reducing preventable deaths,” she remarked.

In a passionate presentation titled Pre-Hospital Emergency Care in Lagos: the Past, Present and Future, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, emphasized the need for a coordinated response to trauma incidents. He stated, “We must ensure that our emergency response systems are integrated and that all healthcare providers are trained in trauma management. This includes developing a unified communication strategy that allows for seamless coordination during emergencies.”

Dr. Ogboye further highlighted the importance of data collection in improving trauma care. “Understanding the patterns and causes of trauma in our communities will help us implement targeted prevention strategies,” he remarked. He called for the establishment of a centralized trauma registry that can provide insights into patient outcomes and service delivery.

The event drew participation from a wide array of stakeholders, including the leading healthcare professional from the public and private sector, the Nigeria Police, Lagos State Ambulance Service, Lagos State Emergency Service and private healthcare providers.